Harlem Riot of 1935

Definition

The Harlem Riot of 1935 was a significant civil disturbance that erupted in Harlem, New York City, from March 19 to March 22, stemming from racial tensions and economic hardship during the Great Depression. The riot was sparked by the death of a young African American man, which intensified longstanding frustrations over police brutality and systemic racism, ultimately reflecting the broader struggles faced by the African American community during this era of cultural flourishing known as the Harlem Renaissance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The riot began after a confrontation between police and a group of African American youths over the alleged wrongful arrest of a friend, leading to widespread anger and protests.
2. Over the course of three days, the riot resulted in significant property damage, with businesses looted and set on fire, reflecting deep-seated frustrations within the community.
3. The Harlem Riot of 1935 highlighted the growing racial tensions in urban areas across America during the Great Depression, as economic hardship disproportionately affected African Americans.
4. In response to the riot, there were calls for reforms in policing practices and better relations between law enforcement and African American communities.
5. The event marked a turning point in Harlem's social consciousness, galvanizing community leaders to advocate for civil rights and increased social justice.

Review Questions

• How did economic conditions during the Great Depression contribute to the outbreak of the Harlem Riot of 1935?
  • The economic conditions during the Great Depression created extreme hardships for many African Americans living in Harlem, leading to high unemployment rates and poverty. This environment intensified existing frustrations related to systemic racism and discrimination. The riot erupted as a manifestation of these tensions, particularly after an incident involving police actions that were viewed as unjust. The combination of economic despair and social injustice ultimately fueled the anger that led to the civil unrest.
• Discuss the implications of the Harlem Riot of 1935 for African American activism and community organization in subsequent years.
  • The Harlem Riot of 1935 served as a wake-up call for African American leaders and activists who recognized that unchecked racism and police brutality could no longer be tolerated. In its aftermath, community organizations began to emerge with stronger voices advocating for civil rights, social justice, and better community relations with law enforcement. The riot galvanized efforts to address these issues within Harlem and beyond, contributing to a larger movement that would gain traction in later decades.
• Evaluate how the Harlem Riot of 1935 reflected broader themes of race relations during the Harlem Renaissance and its impact on future civil rights movements.
  • The Harlem Riot of 1935 epitomized the complex relationship between cultural expression during the Harlem Renaissance and the harsh realities faced by African Americans in their daily lives. While the Renaissance celebrated black culture and identity, it was juxtaposed against a backdrop of systemic oppression and violence. The riot underscored that despite artistic achievements, significant socio-political challenges remained unresolved. This event became an important precursor to future civil rights movements, as it highlighted the necessity for activism that addressed both cultural pride and systemic inequalities.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance:

A cultural movement in the 1920s and 1930s that celebrated African American art, literature, and music, showcasing the rich contributions of black culture to American society.

New Deal:

A series of programs and policies instituted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression aimed at economic recovery and social reform.

Civil Rights Movement: A social movement in the United States aimed at ending racial discrimination and ensuring equal rights for African Americans, which gained momentum in the 1950s and 1960s.